A fad diet is a weight loss plan or aid that promises dramatic results. These diets typically don’t result in long-term weight loss and they are usually not very healthy. In fact, some of these diets can actually be dangerous to your health. Fad Diets are so popular because they target people who want to lose weight and are willing to try anything. They work by targeting your eating habits and normally will reduce your calorie intake to cause you to lose weight.
Fad diets can be recognized if they:
Claim to help you lose weight very quickly (more than 1 or 2 pounds per week). Remember, it took time for you to gain unwanted weight and it will take time to lose it.
Promise that you can lose weight and keep it off without giving up “fatty” foods or exercising on a regular basis. If a diet plan or product sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Base claims on “before and after” photos.
Offer testimonials from clients or “experts” in weight loss, science or nutrition. Remember that these people are probably being paid to advertise the diet plan or product.
Draw simple conclusions from complex medical research.
Limit your food choices and don’t encourage you to get balanced nutrition by eating a variety of foods.
Require you to spend a lot of money on things like seminars, pills or prepackaged meals in order for the plan to work.
If someone wants to lose weight they should:
Eat breakfast every day and don’t skip meals.
Eat a variety of foods (including plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits) to ensure that you get all of your daily nutrients.
Limit your daily intake of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Limit the amount of sugar in your diet. High-sugar foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients.
Limit liquid calories. Avoid sugary soda, alcohol and juices (choose whole fruits instead).
Watch the size of your portions. Use the nutrition label to determine what a serving size is.
Exercise on a regular basis. The best kind of exercise is exercise that you’ll keep doing, so choose an activity that you enjoy. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times per week.
Be more physically active in your daily life. Park farther away from the door and take the stairs when you can. Get a pedometer or step counter and gradually work up to taking 10,000 steps per day.